Recruiting & retaining great talent within the FE & Apprenticeship Market

One of the key challenges for all employers in 2023 and beyond is the attraction and retention of talent. 

As we know the last couple of years has been a roller coaster of emotions which has seen employers and candidates reconsider the work life balance and how it is rewarded.

Lots of employers shed staff as the pandemic caused uncertainty and panic. Those that were furloughed got to experience more time at home with no work pressures and this has led to many rethinking what they want out of life, this has now translated into a much tougher working wish list for candidates.

As the specialist recruiter in Apprenticeship and Training we have seen these changes first-hand. The current market is certainly candidate led, there is a real battle for talent and a shortage of good people across the sector.

I have put together some key points for training providers to consider.

• Start the process as early as possible, be ahead of the game
• Be as flexible as you can re hybrid or remote working
• Put together a detailed spec ensuring it outlines all the benefits, the culture, targets, etc
• Check out Glass Door- it is worth seeing how your organisation is perceived
• Try to make the interview process as short as possible. When the process stretches to 3 or 4 interviews, or the time frame drags into 3-4 weeks you are very likely to lose the candidate!
• In the current market candidates often have 2-3 interviews underway and may have several offers to choose from. If you take too long or make the process to painful the chances, are you will be starting the hiring process again
• Ensure your salaries and benefits are in line with the market, there is still quite a lot of disparity. Those who are paying at the lower end of the market are seeing a steady stream of resignations and this is holding back their growth plans and unsettling clients
• If you make an offer, get the paperwork/email out ASAP
• Cultural fit is important - can they meet team members and get a tour of the office

Retaining your people is also key. Losing a talented team member causes more than just a vacancy. It takes time and energy to replace them. Often their workload is shared by the existing team before a new person is fully up to speed. This can affect the general morale and sets the wrong tone. Their loss can also impact client relationships and have bigger implications if the transition isn’t as seamless as possible.

A few thoughts on retention but worth re-iterating:

• Regular reviews
• Sensible targets
• Team events
• Recognise employee’s hard work
• Upgrade your equipment where possible
• Flexible approach to working schedules
• Professional development opportunities
• Promote from within if possible
• Good communication and collaboration

I believe our sector is in a unique and influential position to help the UK economy. Remote delivery has enabled training and coaching to continue throughout the pandemic giving greater flexibility to all parties. 

There are skills shortages right across the UK that can only be addressed through the effective use of apprenticeships and training. We have an opportunity to embed this learning culture into all businesses and this starts with all of us in the sector hiring and motivating the best people to share and deliver this agenda.

If you wish to explore how the National Skills Agency can help then please do reach out for an informal chat. Please also view on FE News

FE News

Spencer Mehlman

Managing Director

National Skills Agency

T- 020 3953 1984 M- 07775 805714

spencer@nationalskillsagency.co.uk

The importance of recruiting the best possible staff....

Recruiting the best possible staff is an essential factor in the success of any organization. In today's highly competitive business world, it is imperative to have a skilled and talented workforce that can help an organization achieve its goals and objectives. The value of recruiting the best possible staff cannot be overstated, as it can have a profound impact on an organization's productivity, profitability, and reputation. The Apprenticeship and training sector must aim to do this to ensure that those going through programmes have the best possible experience.

One of the key benefits of recruiting the best possible staff is that they bring valuable skills and experience to the organization. Skilled and experienced employees have a wealth of knowledge that can be leveraged to improve business processes, streamline operations, and drive innovation. They are more likely to have a track record of success in their respective fields, which can help boost the organization's overall performance.

Another important benefit of recruiting the best possible staff is that it can improve employee morale and job satisfaction. Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be motivated, productive, and engaged in their work. When an organization invests in recruiting the best possible staff, it sends a message that it values its employees and is committed to their success. This can help create a positive work culture and reduce employee turnover.

Recruiting the best possible staff can also help an organization stay competitive in the marketplace. In today's fast-paced business environment, companies that fail to attract and retain top talent are at a disadvantage. By recruiting the best possible staff, organizations can ensure that they have the skills and expertise necessary to compete effectively in their industry. This can help them stay ahead of the curve and respond quickly to changes in the marketplace.

Moreover, hiring the best possible staff can improve an organization's reputation. When an organization has a skilled and talented workforce, it is more likely to be viewed as a reputable and trustworthy company. This can help attract new customers and clients, as well as retain existing ones. It can also help attract investors and business partners, who are more likely to be interested in working with a company that has a strong reputation for success.

However, recruiting the best possible staff can be challenging and time-consuming. It requires a thorough recruitment process, which includes advertising job vacancies, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and checking references. It also requires an investment in training and development programs to help new hires develop the skills they need to succeed in their roles.

In conclusion, recruiting the best possible staff is an essential factor in the success of any organization. Skilled and experienced employees can bring valuable knowledge and expertise to the organization, improve employee morale and job satisfaction, help an organization stay competitive in the marketplace, and improve its reputation. However, it requires a significant investment of time and resources to recruit, train, and retain top talent. Organizations that are willing to make this investment are more likely to achieve long-term success and sustainability. Call the National Skills Agency team to chat through your requirements: 020 3953 1983

To see our full list of roles available please look at https://www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk/job-search/browse/education/jobs

Check out some of or other blogs! - https://www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk/blog/blog/recruiting-great-sales-people or click here to send us your vacancies